Randy Shannon has kept a relatively low profile since he was let go as head coach of “the U” in 2010. After taking 2011 off, Shannon spent this past season coaching linebackers at TCU. Now Shannon is headed to the SEC. Per NBC’s CollegeFootballTalk.com, new Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema has hired Shannon to coach linebackers in Fayetteville.

As noted by CFT, Shannon’s hire is as much about recruiting as it is Shannon’s head coaching experience. Bret Bielema was a bit of a surprise hire at Arkansas because he lacks substantial recruiting ties in the south. Shannon is great hire because he will still have plenty of connections with high school coaches in Florida, and he is a coach who commands the respect of his players. Very shrewd move by Bielema.